Your most important questions answered

40 years experience, we offer intensive Ayahuasca healing retreats integrating doctors and indigenous shaman from the Andes and Amazon of Peru.

Our retreat are authentic and traditional base on the philosophy of the Inca religion.

The healers we work with come from families with traditions of shamanism. The Shipibo healer shaman we work with are specialists in ayahuasca ceremonies using centuries-old traditions and techniques. The Q’ero priests, are the direct descendant of the Incas. They perform ancient healing ceremonies such a offering to Pachamama or Mother Earth. Their wisdom focuses on teaching a harmonious coexistence with nature.

Your safety is our Priority. Our medical health team consisting of a psychiatrist, cardiologist, internal medicine, psychologist, general practitioner and nurses. Our medical staff are on site 24 hours a day with access to a full range of emergency medical equipment. We take time and care in reviewing all medical information before your visit to our retreat center. Our retreat is the only center to have been recognized by the Peruvian Ministry of Health for its method in performing safe Ayahuasca ceremonies.

Located in Taray, Sacred Valley, two hours drive from Machupicchu, your trip here will be filled with stunning views from within the Andes mountain range. Our center is in Taray, a quiet rural community, perfect for meditation, yoga or simply relaxing.

During your retreat you will perform some volunteering with Human Actions NGO. We focus on animal rescue, environmental conservation, and social and community development.

Another reason to choose our retreat, is our excellent standing on TripAdvisor. Here you can see reviews of satisfied clients. We are so happy to have impacted the lives of so many people and helped create positive change in their lives. If you are ready to take the next step, read some of our great reviews or contact us with any concerns.

Why Cusco?

Cusco is one of the energetic centers of the world. The name Cusco means ‘belly button,’ referring to the region’s central importance relative to the origin of spiritual awakening. The culture of this city has been built around a philosophy centered on respecting pachamama or mother earth. Perhaps in these times, more than ever before, this concept of respect finds itself both relevant and necessary in addressing some of the global issues facing humanity.

How do I get to Cusco?

To fly into Cusco, you must first obtain a flight from your country to Lima, Peru. From Lima there are connections to Cusco from 5am to 12am (the flight is one hour long). Connections from Lima to Cusco range anywhere from 200 to 350 dollars. Some of the airlines flying to Cusco are Lan, Star Peru, Tacna and Peruvian Airlines.

What are my arrival and accommodation options?

VERY IMPORTANT NOTE:

Everyone must meet at Etnikas officeat 10am one day before the start of the retreat. We required you to arrive a day before your retreat so you have a chance to acclimatise to the altitude of Cusco. Many people feel the effects of the altitude and if you arrive the day of your retreat and feel altitude sickness you may not be able to drink Ayahuasca. If you are unable to take Ayahuasca for this reason we will unfortunately not be able to provide a refund.

You must book your own hotel room for the night between the acclimatisation day and the day of the retreat. We can recommend several places that are able to take care everything including transfer from the airport to the hotel.

The next day we will look to meet at the same place at 10:00am and from there we will travel by shuttle bus to the retreat centre. Over this 24 hour time period you are required to fast and drink just water.

As Ayahuasca is a potent form of medicine it can occasionally have interactions with other medications or drugs. We therefore recommend that you find a natural ways to detoxify your system at least two weeks before the start of the retreat.

We sit at 2,800 m. (9,500 ft high), meaning the air is usually cool and dry during the night and sunny during the day. You can check weather.com for an accurate 10-day forecast for your ayahuasca retreat.

The rainy season is typically from December through March. The dry season runs from end of March to November. However, the weather can be very unpredictable, so it is always useful to have a rain jacket on you.

Comfortable shoes are essential in our rough terrain. Bring warm clothes for the evenings, as it is chilly and bring a hat and/or sunblock for during the day. A rain poncho is essential if you’re coming in the rainy season (Dec – Mar). Bringing a notebook or journal with you might be useful as well for recording your thoughts and helping with your integration. We do not provide toiletries so please bring your own. It also can’t hurt to bring a camera!

Bring a small flashlight (optional) and your yoga mat (optional).

Electrolyte water can be bought here as a way to re-hydrate after ceremony. You will also need 1 bottle of water (2L) and 1 roll of toilet paper per ceremony. The toilet paper is for the ayahuasca ceremonies. We provide it in the retreat center.

I take medication, is this ok with the ayahuasca ceremonies?

Some kinds of medication are compatible. However others, such as antidepressant medication, can be problematic. Make sure to inform us of what medication you are taking and we will consult with our doctor.

I have a special diet, can I still come?

Yes, please inform us in advance of your dietary restrictions and we will assist you.

Visiting Machu Picchu

We recommend you this local travel operator travelandhealing.com/Machu Picchu they are familiar with our schedule so they can organise the trip to Machu Picchu just after your retreat. Pick up from our retreat to take you to Machu Picchu.

I have never been at that high of an altitude. How likely am I to get altitude sickness?

Cusco is 3, 500 meters above sea level and people sometimes get sick upon arrival due to the drastic altitude change . However, prior to your retreat we recommend that you do not take any kind of medication for altitude sickness as its interaction with ayahuasca can be dangerous. Instead, we suggest drinking MUÑA tea and lots of water as a way to relieve symptoms of altitude sickness before arriving. The tea is commonly available in guest houses and hotels. If your altitude sickness symptoms become severe, please let us know.

Vaccines

We are not considered a tropical location and therefore no vaccines are required before visiting Cusco. If you still have questions, it’s best to consult a travel doctor in your country before visiting.